No more results on this page
The Nutcracker On Tour
Every adaptation of The Nutcracker is the same, yet each The Nutcracker is different from all others. Although it premiered in Saint Petersburg's Mariinsky Theatre on December 18, 1892, composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker wouldn't become the dependably magical holiday-season reaffirmation of Christmas joy we know and love until decades later.
Marius Petipa, who commissioned Tchaikovsky's music, and Lev Ivanov originally choreographed the world's most popular ballet. It was loosely based on Alexandre Dumas' The Story of a Nutcracker, the French writer's adaptation of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, which was a fantastical story by German author E.T.A. Hoffmann. Mourning the recent death of his sister, Tchaikovsky was often unhappy while composing the work, which he nonetheless imbued with some of his most enduringly gorgeous music. (The descending melody in the adagio section of the "Grand Pas de Deux" is said to reflect his feelings.)
Russian ballet was flourishing at the time The Nutcracker debuted, and no expense was spared. In Petipa's production, 60 snowflakes wore long white tutus and matching crowns adorned with fluff balls. The battle scene's soldiers, meanwhile, were recruited from a military academy rather than ballet school, leading to a less-than-elegant confrontation.
The Nutcracker was fated to become more popular abroad than in its birthplace, and was subsequently tailored to suit its new audiences. Encouraged by local Russian émigrés, Willam Christensen mounted the first full American production in San Francisco in 1944. Ten years later, George Balanchine choreographed a landmark version for the New York City Ballet, imbuing it with what Nutcracker Nation author Jennifer Fisher calls its "familial feeling." Balanchine's version was broadcast on national television a few years later with narration by June Lockhart (of Lassie fame).
While nearly every subsequent version of The Nutcracker contains falling snow, fighting mice, dancing candy, and a growing tree (asked to produce it without the tree, Balanchine reportedly replied, "No, the ballet is the tree"), some intriguing mutations have emerged. These include Nutcrackers on ice, the animated adaptation Walt Disney included in the 1940 movie Fantasia, and The Harlem Nutcracker, a swinging jazz revision by choreographer Donald Byrd.
A remarkably resilient blend of complex classical ballet, popular imagery, and holiday nostalgia, The Nutcracker has taken on a life of its own since it first appeared one cold Russian winter over 100 years ago.
The stage and costumes were beautiful but the dancing wasn't what I expected. There wasn't a live orchestra and the atmosphere very off. I was disappointed.
This is our yearly Christmas tradition and they did not disappoint, it was beautiful. Civic center was great like always, organized and workers were very helpful. ❤️
The Nutcracker was so colorful and beautiful. All the dancers were magnificent. Also the music was outstanding.
It was a cute show. Started 15min late. Beautiful ending. Definitely worth the $35 tickets.
First of all the sound was terrible in the venue as per usual. The sound was only coming from the stage and for all of us in the very back center orchestra could hear everybody opening up their concessions snacks. Which is very distracting when you’re trying to watch a ballet. After the performance started, one of the ushers was carrying on a conversation with two patron, sitting directly behind us, and instead of taking it into the hallway outside they continued to carry on their conversation until I asked them politely to take it somewhere else. The line for the concessions was so long that it was impeding traffic to get into the theater. And, lastly, during intermission of a ballet, they should flutter the lights to remind you of how much time you have left until the second act begins.
The show was good, but I was expecting better quality from the dancers themselves in terms of synchronization and precision. Venue had great seating but the concessions are a disaster. No one that works there seems to have any sense of urgency at concession stand
The dancers were pretty good overall. Some of them are truly exceptional. However, the music recording really was a big deduction to the performance. The speakers were too loud which made the performance less enjoyable. Besides, it kind of rushed the whole performance, instead of letting the audience to show their appreciation to each piece of dances. It was rude to the performers as well. It felt more like a dressing rehearsal instead of real show.
The performance was lovely, the choreography was beautiful and the way they made it snow on the stage really gave me a peaceful vibe.
The ballet itself was amazing, as usual. But the kids were distracting. There were several that couldn't engender the routine and would mess up and it took away from the ballet that i paid alot of money for my family to go to.
Very cute kids in local recital. I thought it was supposed to be a traveling ballet company sponsored by the local arts foundation. Next year, just know that it is 90% local kids. Don't go expecting to see a professionally produced and technically gifted performance as you would with a company. The Kiev City ballet was here this year. They were amazing. I'll look closer at the descriptions in the future.
what a beautiful theater! we were early so one of the ladies took our picture with the beautiful trees. then we visited the lounge and got snacks and drinks. we settled into our seats for a magical program. the scenery and costumes were amazing as well as the talent. the only downfall was kids eating candy during the production and making noise trying to dig their Skittles out of the bag lol. will come again.
The performance was beautiful and exceeded expectations.
We have been going to theatrical performances for 40 plus years. We have had the opportunity to live all over the world. Our experience at the Genesee Theatre was awesome. The performers were so professional and so engaging with the audience. The back drop was so beautifully painted. It was all so magical. Thanks to everyone on stage and everyone behind the scenes. Believe me you are up there with New York City Theaters, London Theaters, Minneapolis Theaters, Brazil's theaters, etc.etc. And I am not bragging about our good fortune to experience theater all over. We walked out in awe.
It started late, the set and costumes were beautifully done. The dancers were elegant and graceful. This is my fifth time seeing this troupe perform and watching each dancer grow into their craft-they introduced some very special additions. Great talents one and all. Merry Christmas and thank you.
Beautiful dancers, costumes and entertaining. Very disappointed that there was not a live orchestra.
The Colours of the customs and the expertise of the dancers The sound very nice
I never seen nutcracker before. I did some research online and found out the original story was taking part in Russia. This one was made out all about the Ukraine which is great for proceeds to go towards humanitarian adds. But I feel the performance lost its originality. Main dancers were from Ukraine, wonder if Russian dancers were excluded because of this war. Feels like politics find its place in art and doesn’t feel good. I paid hefty price to bring my family but feel I didn’t get the most of it, original charm and wish someone has told me about.
I specifically chose international Toronto Ballet for a decent performance. Props and figures felt like I was watching a high school show as opposed to ballet. quiet disappointed especially for the price I paid...
Dancing, music and performers were all wonderful. The storyline is awful however. While I realize change is often good and reflects current situations, there are some key pieces from the Duluth version that are completely gone. Just one of many examples is no more Rat (or Mouse) King! That’s like having no Clara or no Nutcracker! My entire group, which I take as an annual family outing every year, Ww won’t go back. We’ll travel elsewhere. So sad.
I brought my granddaughter for the first time, and I was really looking forward to the original story. The dancing was beautiful and the music was great, but I miss the old story.
